I’ve gone through two checklists during the last couple of days, and it’s reaffirmed my belief in their efficacy as a communication tool. See, there are at least two ways that we can view checklists : in the strategic and tactical ways. One good illustration of the usage of checklists would be if your business is trying to achieve ISO 22000 certification. You’ll probably recognize the tactical blessings of using checklists : a clear and logical, as well as cost-effective, way to scribble.

However let’s gander at checklists from the strategic perspective today, and discover them as a tool for making our objectives. Specifically, that suggests we’ll think about using them to reinforce or change the perceptions of other people. For example, if you write out information about something that must be completed, a tick list sends two messages. First, that you are a well-organized person, and that your message is reasonably rational.

The development of a checklist, in itself, should send a message that you have given more than quick attention to the message. It indicates that you have mulled over the process you are requesting others to copy. It also implies that you’ve taken additional time to create your message ; you have added price by adding extra structure. The receiver of your message, then, must have the sense that you take the message seriously, because you’ve taken extra trouble to create it in an orderly way. And, that kind of perception, in turn should make the receiver more prepared to follow your instructions. Having said all that, we should sit back and ask ourselves where we will use checklists effectively.

As I have written this article, I have asked myself if it shouldn’t be in a checklist format. But , reputedly not ; at least I cannot see how it work well. That’s because checklists work the best for extraordinarily linear sorts of information delivery. The instructions for starting a P. C. or piece of equipment, as an example. In these cases, there’s no room for nuance or fine distinctions, versus a list involved in food certification. A switch turns on, or it turns off ; we do not discuss the way that the switch looks or sounds. Therefore think of checklists as tools for developing lists or describing sequential actions.

This context also leads to another strategic use for checklists, which is to guarantee nothing is forgotten and nothing additional goes into the instructions. Make a check list of the steps involved in a method and you’ve got a tool for seeing that it stays on track. You may use checklists for inclusion and exclusion. The fulfilment of BRC food safety employs heavily the utilisation of checklists, as well as less complex systems. For example, when I travel, I print a packing tick list to be certain I pack the things I need, and perhaps equally as critical, don’t pack items I do not need.

In this example, the checklist also acts a memory jogging tool. Having started on the packing list, some non-list items could be recalled. As an example, if I am making a note to include a magazine to read on the aeroplane, then I might not forget to stop delivery of the newspapers while I’m away. That is’s then something new to contribute to the next iteration of the checklist.